Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee president Di Yerbury
yesterday welcomed lifting restrictions on casual employment, but
was alarmed by other measures, such as outlining who should sit on
university committees.

Professor Yerbury called on Dr Nelson to consult universities on
the changes - and not simply pick those parts of its education
changes that a hostile Senate would not pass last year.

However, in an interview with The Age this week, Dr Nelson
confirmed that the Government would reintroduce the legislation
when it has a Senate majority next July.

Vice-chancellors are also opposed to making student unionism
voluntary. It is now effectively compulsory. Student union fees
help to pay for services and amenities such as cafes, sport clubs
and student media.

The Government is expected to remain firm on the issue. Dr
Nelson said: "It is an article of faith and a deep philosophical
conviction of the Liberal Party that students should be free to
join a union or not join a union."

Students will rally against the abolition of compulsory student
unionism.

National Union of Students president Jodie Jansen yesterday
accused the Government of trying to silence students, who fiercely
oppose the HECS fee increases of up to 25 per cent that come into
effect in many universities next year.